ADELAIDE captain Taylor Walker insists his side is trying its utmost to revive its flagging season on the back of a three-point loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

The Crows are 6-6 ahead of a clash against Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday night, and face the prospect of missing out on September action after making last year's Grand Final.

On the back of three straight losses, Walker told reporters at Adelaide airport on Monday his teammates were going their hardest to reclaim their best form.

"I would never, ever question anyone's effort," Walker said.

"We're elite sportsmen and if you question effort, then you shouldn't be playing.

"I would never, ever question any effort (of anyone) that plays for the Adelaide footy club."

Rather, Walker pointed to a couple of other issues.

"We've got some challenges at our footy club at the moment, whether it be personnel or just being able to do things for periods of time," Walker said.

"We're just in and out of quarters and we need to sustain it for a longer period of time, and that's all it is."

The skipper himself returned after a month out with a back/glute injury, while Rory Sloane (foot), Mitch McGovern (ankle) and Brad Crouch (groin) are among the big names unavailable.

Defender Rory Laird (hand) and forward Tom Lynch (side strain) could return for the Hawks clash if they pull up well from the club's main training session but backman Luke Brown (ankle) is in doubt after being injured against Fremantle in the final term.

Walker said his break served him well.

"Physically, I feel a lot better prepared to be able to play four quarters," Walker said.

Meanwhile, the Crows are returning to the home of football for the first time since losing to Richmond in last year's decider.